Although there is a lot of emphasis on switching to winter tyres as soon as we feel that first cold winter breeze, however, there are motorists who do not wish to invest in winter tyres and are always looking for alternatives. Therefore, in this article, we will introduce two alternatives to winter tyres that will help keeping you safe and tension-free on icy and snowy winter roads.
The first alternative is called Snow Chains. Snow chains are specifically designed for heavy snowfalls as they offer improved grip and traction when driving across thick blankets of snow. Although, the safety and performance offered by snow chains cannot be questioned, still snow chains can be tricky to fit on to your vehicle. Therefore, do consult a professional before fitting them and make sure they are compatible with your car tyres. Also, remember to take them off once you drive back in normal conditions as they can both damage your tyres and as well as the road.
Second Alternative would be using Tyre Socks. Tyre socks, also known as snow socks or auto socks, are textile devices that wrap around the tyre in order to increase traction on snow or ice. They are composed of a woven fabric with an elastomer attached to the inner edge. This elastomer keeps the snow sock in place and facilitates installation. Now although snow socks are pretty useful, they are still not considered as a legal equivalent to snow chains. This is mainly because as they are thin and light weight, they are more suitable for areas with light snow coverage.
Where snow chains and tyre socks are suitable for heavy and light snow respectively, before going ahead with any alternative, make sure to seek professional help so that either one can be fitted professionally and perfectly. Also, make sure to inspect your tyres thoroughly or get a free tyre safety check from your nearby garage.
If you are advised to change your tyres, do not run away from it as driving along with safe tyres in winters is the first most thing to do. Living on a tight budget? We’ve got you covered! You can shop budget tyres online at Dartford Tyres and get them delivered over to your doorstep!
